To the Muse

  1. 1Tho' no bold flights to thee belong;
  2. 2And tho' thy lays with conscious fear,
  3. 3Shrink from Judgement's eye severe,
  4. 4Yet much I thank thee, Spirit of my song!
  5. 5For, lovely Muse! thy sweet employ
  6. 6Exalts my soul, refines my breast,
  7. 7Gives each pure pleasure keener zest,
  8. 8And softens sorrow into pensive Joy.
  9. 9From thee I learn'd the wish to bless,
  10. 10From thee to commune with my heart;
  11. 11From thee, dear Muse! the gayer part,
  12. 12To laugh with pity at the crowds that press
  13. 13Where fashion flaunts her robes by Folly spun,
  14. 14Whose hues gay-varying wanton in the sun.